Elder Young's last week in the Guatemala CCM

Hola! What a week! This week has been a tremendous growing experience. I've learned so much about myself and my purpose in life. I love listening to the devotionals and I'm excited to get out into the field and start blessing the lives of others. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so transformative, and it definitely gives you an opportunity to grow.This week I read a talk about being a consecrated missionary, and that really moved me. The talk was about how we need to leave every ounce of our own will at the altar of the Lord and trust that he will guide us in His work. I've learned that I need to preach His gospel, not mine. I need to do things His way, not mine. When I've taken the steps to be obedient and serve God with all my heart, I've felt the sweet power of His spirit testify simple and loving truths to my heart. 

As I walk outside between the CCM and the Temple, I see many Guatemalans walking to their jobs. For whatever reason I feel such love for them! I know that God loves us. We are His children, and no matter what we are going through, He will guide us and lift us up. 

I can't believe that it's the last week in the CCM. The days feel so long but the weeks go by fast! Because of the way transfers work out, I was told that I am already 1/12 through my mission at the end of this next week. That's crazy to think about, so I choose not to. The routine here has been very difficult, but it has been very worth it. I know that my biggest and most important decision in my mission will be to lose myself and go to work. The Lord doesn't really need any more mediocre missionaries; He only asks for those who will humble themselves and get out of His way so that He can show forth His glory with power and authority. That's the missionary I hope to be. 

 

One last thing I want to testify about today is the Temple. There were temples in the old testament, and we have temples today. The same saving, sacred ordinances that were provided during those times are available today with the proper authority: the authority of Jesus Christ. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I have to make covenants, and to repent when I fall short. We can see the atonement of Christ working powerfully and miraculously as every prodigal completes his homeward obit. 

Onto more miscellaneous things: I'm trying to hone in on my juggling skills so I bought 4 juggling balls for like 20 Quetzals (about 2.80$). I'm really liking the prices here, but unfortunately, haha they don't really have clothes that fit me! It seems like their XL is like our Medium sized shirts.Also, they have McDonalds and Wendy's here but its different: They are like really nice restaurants, and its kind of funny because they serve the exact same food,. Also,  I'm enjoying Spanish a lot, and now the Latinos are starting to teach me some jokes  like. 

 How many stars are in the sky? Sin cuenta!

I didn't have much time to write poetry this week, but I'll still write down some of my thoughts:

Thoughts:

The God whose hands 

Designed the plans

For billions upon billions of stars

Has to held you 

Within his view

Engraven in His scars

And as we, his sheep

Lie asleep

Our shepherd stays awake

Humming lullabies with watchful eyes

That cause the Earth to quake

From man's first breath to final death

He has atoned for all

He who stood when nobody could

And yet, for us, he chose to fall

Yes when I feeling broken

Who alone can make me whole

But the finisher of my salvation

And the Shepherd of my soul

Me gusta terminar con un poco español. Tengo un testimonio de la expiación de JesuCristo. Yo sé que a través de su expiación podemos ser limpios de nuestros pecados. Yo sé que está iglesia es verdadera, y que El Libro de Mormón es la palabra de Dios. 

I love you all, 

Elder Young